Seoul To Build Shelters From Extreme Weather At 41 Stores

Installation of shelter stickers in Seoul's convenience store. (Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government)

JAKARTA - The government of the Seoul Metropolitan (SMG), South Korea will build shelter from extreme weather in 41 convenience stores across the capital, where residents cool themselves during the summer, or warm themselves up during winter.

To realize this plan, the city government signed a memorandum of understanding with BGF Retail and GS Retail in February.

BGF Retail is a CU all-time shop franchise operator. Meanwhile, GS Retail operates a GS25 convenience store.

Traditionally, community centers and well-being facilities serve as shelter during extreme weather conditions.

However, limited access and operating hours are challenges for many people. To overcome this, the city government proposes the utilization of convenience stores, taking into account their accessibility and operations that are open all the time.

"This shelter represents a public-private partnership model," a SMG official said, adding partners would do their best to make Seoul safer and more comfortable amid extreme weather conditions, reported by The Korea Times March 5.

BGF Retail and GS Retail expressed their support, leading to the commitment of 23 CU stores and 18 GS25 stores, located in 18 districts in the capital, to serve as an early shelter.

These shops will provide a resting place with the aim of providing protection to residents during cold weather and heat waves.

As part of this initiative, the city government will put up stickers that state these stores as collaborative partners and start promotional activities. In addition, administrative support measures, such as assistance for shop owners, will be provided to encourage voluntary participation.

The test operation of these centers began last month and lasted until March 15, when the city government's readiness of cold waves would be lifted. The agency will then analyze the effectiveness of the shelter and seek to expand its number before the heat wave occurs.